Approx. 4.25"

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The creation of the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) immediately created greater cooperation and networking among the participating agencies. The men and women of MAGEC believe that the multi-agency and multi-level approach to combat gang crime is the most comprehensive and effective method in existence. The reduction of gang crime is evident throughout Fresno County.

On Jan. 3, 1994, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office formally established their first gang enforcement team, titled "Combined Resources Against Street Hoodlums" (CRASH) with the mission of eradicating criminal gang activity. It was supported by a four-pronged approach, consisting of prosecution, enforcement, education, and prevention.

One Sheriff's lieutenant commanded the team, with two sheriff's sergeants who supervised a six-person uniformed team and a six-person plain-clothes team of gang enforcement detectives.

This approach ultimately became a resourceful guide in accommodating the public's needs and law enforcement's ability to navigate through common and uncommon challenges.

CRASH sought and received a grant titled "Combined Rural Resources Undermining Street Hoodlums" (CRRUSH). The grant provided three additional deputy sheriffs, two Fresno County Probation Officers, a deputy district attorney juvenile prosecutor and investigator to the team. The juvenile prosecutor would aid in streamlining the vertical prosecution goal. One deputy was assigned to teach the gang resistance education and training curriculum in specific school districts with gang-affiliated students on probation. The unit collectively identified the community's needs and priorities and went to work.

A CRASH detective was assigned to the FBI's fugitive apprehension team and a narcotic dog was added to the team.

The dedicated team of CRASH completely overhauled their gang tracking system to meet all future legal challenges associated to such enforcement. The departments proactive advances were recognized, which ultimately earned the Fresno County Sheriff's Office the selection as an administrative node for "Cal Gang," a statewide database developed exclusively for gangs. Today this system is being developed into a nationwide gang database titled Gang Net.